Gastrosurgery UK

Gastrosurgery UK is founded and led by Mr Abhay Chopada. It is a team of dedicated professionals with a commitment to provide “Competent Compassionate Care” for all your embarrassing bowel problems and surgical conditions.

Mr Abhay Chopada MS FRCS

Gastrosurgery UK is led by Mr Abhay Chopada Consultant Laparoscopic, General and Colorectal Surgeon. He has been recognized by Tatler Magazine in their 2007 and 2013 Doctor's Guides as one of the Top Surgical Gastroenterologists in UK

Gall Bladder Surgery

The gallbladderis a pear-shaped sac that hangs like a little pod from a tree branch. This pod and its branch, the cystic duct, are attached to the common hepatic duct, which comes from the liver. These ducts lead into the common bile duct, which is attached to the duodenum, the entry to the small intestine. All the ducts from the liver and the gallbladder itself form the biliary system, often called the biliary tree.

Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is a technique, which involves operations on the colon and rectum through 4 or 5 small incisions. A laparoscope (a narrow tube having a tiny camera) is inserted through the incision which gives the surgeon, an enlarged image of the internal organs on a television screen.

Upper GI Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a test which allows the doctor to examine the inside of the patient’s oesophagus, stomach, and portions of the intestine, with an instrument called an endoscope, a thin flexible lighted tube.It is performed by a well-trained subspecialist who uses the endoscope to diagnose and, in some cases, treat problems of the upper digestive system.By adjusting the various controls on the endoscope, the doctor can safely guide the instrument to carefully examine the inside lining of the upper digestive system.

FAQ's

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Management of Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding is bleeding through the anus. The bleeding may be bright red, dark maroon or a tarry colour, which you may notice in your stools, toilet bowl or toilet paper.Rectal bleeding may occur from any part of the gastrointestinal …

In The News

Chronic bowel inflammation is diagnosed too late in children, adolescents

Cramping abdominal pains, diarrhea, bloody stools—these are common symptoms of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Every year, thousands of children and adolescents develop the disease. But chronic inflammatory bowel disease is mostly diagnosed too late in these patients, experts suggests. The average delay between initial symptoms and diagnosis is four to six months. In most cases, the inflammation will by then have spread further.

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Post Operative Care

Most anorectal surgical procedures are done in same-day surgery. a few more extensive procedures require hospitalization for one to three days. You ability to tolerate the pain postoperatively and your doctor’s concern about your wounds determine the time of discharge.

Fistula in Ano

What is Fistula in ano?

Fistula is an abnormal connection of tissue which joins two organs. Fistula is usually created when there is a damaged tissue say, in the colon. When the infection spreads outside the colon, this tissue comes in contact with another organ, say in this case the bladder. The tissue sticks on it and if it gets healed that way, a fistula is created between the colon and the bladder in this case.

Fistula in ano refers to the fistula created in the anal region. In this case a fistula is created between the rectum and the skin. Due to this faeces might not come out through the anus but through this fistula.The end of the channel appears as a hole on the skin near the anus, and can cause severe pain and bleeding while passing bowel movements.

Fistula in ano is usually a secondary medical condition to some more serious medical conditions like inflammatory bowel syndrome, diverticulitis or radiation therapy for rectal cancer. Fistula in ano is more common in men than in women. This condition usually occurs in the thirties.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The signs and symptoms of Fistula in ano include:

Pain in the anal region

Visible opening near the anus

Swelling of the anal region

Bleeding

Unexplained weight loss in some cases

Diarrhoea

Skin abrasion

Discharge of pus or blood when passing stools

Fatigue, fever and chills

What are the causes?

The causes of Fistula in ano include:

Anorectal abscess removed surgically.

An untreated abscess in the anal region. The infection usually begins in the anal gland and progresses to the muscular walls of the anal sphincters. This causes an abscess.

Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis.

Undergone radiation for rectal or prostate cancer.

HIV infected.

When to seek medical advice?

You should seek immediate medical advice if:

You notice an abnormal opening near the anus.

You notice abscess near the anus.

What are the methods for screening and diagnosis?

Your physician may diagnose the condition by reviewing your medical history and physical examination. Rectal exam is performed by inserting a lubricated finger into the rectum. A proctoscope, a lighted telescope may be inserted to examine the rectum. In order to correctly diagnose Fistula in ano, either of the following medical tests will be performed.

Fistulography: In this test, a contrast material is injected through the internal opening. X-rays are then taken of the anal region.

Anal ultrasound: Using sound waves and capturing their echoes, the entire anal cavity can be mapped into images. These images will show up the details of the fistula as well.

Anal Manometry: This test is used to determine the pressure exerted by the anal muscles.

Imaging tests: MRI and CT scan

What is the treatment?

It is very rare that the problem resolves on its own. Injection of fibrin glue, a solution of fibrinogen and thrombin,may be used to close the anal fistula as a non-surgical procedure, but has not shown good prognosis. Surgery is usually the first line of treatment. It aims at healing the fistula without damaging sphincter muscles that control the opening of the anus. Surgery will depend on the location of the fistula. Some of the procedures may include:

Fistulotomy: The most common treatment for an anal fistula is an operation called fistulotomy. The procedure involves opening the fistula along the entire length, flushing out the contents and flattening it out. The fistula will heal into a flat scar in a month or two. Your surgeon may cut a small part of the sphincter muscle in order to access the fistula.

Advancement flap procedure: For complex fistulas an advancement flap procedure is considered. It usually follows a fistulotomy and involves theremoval of a portion or flap of the rectal wall or anus and then attaching it to the internal opening from where the fistula was removed.

Seton: For deeper fistulas a seton, a piece of surgical string, is placed along the fistula tract to keep it open. This allows for proper drainage before it heals. It may be used for secondary tract fistulas.

Bioprostheticplug: A cone-shaped plug made from tissue is placed to block the internal opening of the fistula. Stiches keep the cone in place but it is not sealed completely, allowing the fistula to drain. New tissue grows around the plug, healing it.

How to prevent?

Prevention of abscess in the anal area is not possible as the exact cause for this infection is not known.However, following practical tips can at least detect the fistula earlier.

Go for regular medical checkups which include digital rectal exams as well.

In case of any symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.

Contact Details: For additional information and appointments, please contact us at +44 (0)2070 999 333. Alternatively, you can email us your queries at mailto: gastrosurgery@gmail.com.

Disclaimer: Information provided is only for educational purpose. Contact your Health consultant or Emergency services depending on your symptoms. Do not self-diagnose, treat or take health care decisions based on the information given. It cannot replace a medical consultation required for a patients individual needs.

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